Editor

I am a huge supporter of the NHS and the valuable work our doctors and nurses do in our hospitals, but why can we no longer see our GPs face to face?

I could understand the need for social distancing during the first and second lock downs when we were all scared for our safety.I understand that GP surgeries were high-risk places at this time but why now, when pubs and restaurants have opened, almost all shops have opened and even theatres and cinemas are opening?

Are we saying that GP surgeries, with all their hygiene training, are less safe than the local pub?

And if our local GP surgery is so dangerous, why can we still go to our local hospital?

The majority of people are now vaccinated. And we are now all well rehearsed wearing PPE. The risks are now significantly lower than a year ago. But still GPs don’t see us face to face.

Not being able to see our GPs is putting huge pressure on already overstretched A&E. Because what happens when people can’t be seen by their local doctor? They go to A&E.

A friend of mine who works in A&E at Bronglais, recently told me she has seen double the number of patients wit

In my opinion telephone consultations are inadequate. You cannot see the patient or do basic observations such as blood pressure and temperature.

I’m scared that something will be missed, leading to someone’s death. And many people, especially the elderly, find it difficult to express themselves over the telephone, meaning they can’t get the treatment they need. This is often very distressing for the person and for their carers.

We are constantly told in the media that the NHS is open for business. That if we have any concerns regarding our health we should contact our GP. But very often we are not listened to.

Surely if the past year has taught us anything it’s that face to face contact with other human beings is the best thing in the world. I just hope GPs appreciate this too.

Carol Evans, Cross Inn

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